In the picturesque Welsh market town of Llandeilo, creativity and adventure blend together in harmony. Here, the scent of hand-poured candles fills the air at The Little Welsh Dresser, a haven for arts and crafts enthusiasts. As one browses through rows of handmade cards and mugs adorned with Welsh words, including "cwtch" - pronounced as "kutch" - an untranslatable term that conveys a big warm hug and sense of belonging, the atmosphere becomes palpable.
Our weekend getaway was part of Discover Carmarthenshire's new "The Sisterhood" breaks, designed to trade the usual girls' weekend fare for more meaningful experiences. We teamed up with friends, Anna, and embarked on a curated journey that immersed us in the region's artistic side, outdoor beauty, and community spirit.
Our base was Ardderfin Farmhouse, an enchanting rustic stone cottage in historic Carmarthen, where we settled into cozy nooks by the fireplace. The rustic charm reminded me of a scene from The Holiday. As dinner beckoned at Rachel Williams' New Curiosity restaurant, we were met with warm hospitality and exceptional Welsh cuisine.
On Saturday, our pottery-making adventure began under Yoka Kilkelly's guidance at her Siramik studio in the rolling hills of the countryside. Wedging clay, pounding it to make its texture consistent, and coaxing it into shape as it spun on the wheel, I discovered a meditative side to ceramics. The Welsh concept of "A person's personality shapes their pot" resonated with me. Our creations took form: coffee cups for me and a bowl for Anna.
The afternoon stroll along Llansteffan Castle's hillside, overlooking the Tywi estuary at low tide, was breathtaking. Winter sun cast silhouettes across frosted fields as we searched for curlews and egrets. Back at Ardderfin Farmhouse, Lowri Johnston, a yoga teacher and organic flower farmer, guided us through a gentle session before teaching us to craft willow wreaths adorned with seasonal elements from her farm.
Sunday dawned rainy but invitingly crisp. Elen Bowen's silver and gold jewellery workshop was a highlight of our itinerary, where we transformed raw metal into our own unique pieces. Hammering, soldering, and polishing under Elen's expert guidance, I discovered an artistic side to myself that had been dormant for years.
As the weekend drew to a close, memories of laughter, creativity, and camaraderie lingered with each hug goodbye from the women we'd met along the way. The phrase "cwtch" still resonates, embodying not only physical warmth but also a deeper sense of connection forged through shared experiences and artistry.
For those seeking a more meaningful break than the traditional girls' weekend getaway, Discover Carmarthenshire's Sisterhood Campaign offers bespoke trips that blend creativity, outdoor adventure, and community spirit. Our Ardderfin Farmhouse stay sleeps up to eight adults from £77 per night for two nights, with activities priced at £80-£130 pp, depending on the workshop chosen.
In this idyllic setting where art and nature merge, memories forged in "cwtch" - that perfect blend of warmth and belonging - will linger long after our departure.
Our weekend getaway was part of Discover Carmarthenshire's new "The Sisterhood" breaks, designed to trade the usual girls' weekend fare for more meaningful experiences. We teamed up with friends, Anna, and embarked on a curated journey that immersed us in the region's artistic side, outdoor beauty, and community spirit.
Our base was Ardderfin Farmhouse, an enchanting rustic stone cottage in historic Carmarthen, where we settled into cozy nooks by the fireplace. The rustic charm reminded me of a scene from The Holiday. As dinner beckoned at Rachel Williams' New Curiosity restaurant, we were met with warm hospitality and exceptional Welsh cuisine.
On Saturday, our pottery-making adventure began under Yoka Kilkelly's guidance at her Siramik studio in the rolling hills of the countryside. Wedging clay, pounding it to make its texture consistent, and coaxing it into shape as it spun on the wheel, I discovered a meditative side to ceramics. The Welsh concept of "A person's personality shapes their pot" resonated with me. Our creations took form: coffee cups for me and a bowl for Anna.
The afternoon stroll along Llansteffan Castle's hillside, overlooking the Tywi estuary at low tide, was breathtaking. Winter sun cast silhouettes across frosted fields as we searched for curlews and egrets. Back at Ardderfin Farmhouse, Lowri Johnston, a yoga teacher and organic flower farmer, guided us through a gentle session before teaching us to craft willow wreaths adorned with seasonal elements from her farm.
Sunday dawned rainy but invitingly crisp. Elen Bowen's silver and gold jewellery workshop was a highlight of our itinerary, where we transformed raw metal into our own unique pieces. Hammering, soldering, and polishing under Elen's expert guidance, I discovered an artistic side to myself that had been dormant for years.
As the weekend drew to a close, memories of laughter, creativity, and camaraderie lingered with each hug goodbye from the women we'd met along the way. The phrase "cwtch" still resonates, embodying not only physical warmth but also a deeper sense of connection forged through shared experiences and artistry.
For those seeking a more meaningful break than the traditional girls' weekend getaway, Discover Carmarthenshire's Sisterhood Campaign offers bespoke trips that blend creativity, outdoor adventure, and community spirit. Our Ardderfin Farmhouse stay sleeps up to eight adults from £77 per night for two nights, with activities priced at £80-£130 pp, depending on the workshop chosen.
In this idyllic setting where art and nature merge, memories forged in "cwtch" - that perfect blend of warmth and belonging - will linger long after our departure.
. I mean, who wouldn't want to get their hands dirty with clay, hammer out some metal, and create their own art? And the best part is, it's not just about making stuff, it's about bonding with the people around you... and "cwtch" is just the perfect way to describe that feeling 
.
. I mean, have you seen the countryside over there? It's like straight out of a Hallmark movie 
. But seriously, £77 per night for that farmhouse? That's like, highway robbery or something 
. I'd want to pay more just to get away from my in-laws, let alone be surrounded by all that... wholesome-ness 
. Still, if you're into that sorta thing, go for it, ladies 
.
and it seems like every year the wildfires are getting worse. and have you seen the latest reports on the world's water crisis? 
it's like we're running out of options here... anyway, back to those "sisterhood" trips, sounds like a nice distraction from reality 
but seriously, can't we focus on solving some real problems instead of just indulging in crafts and hikes? 
it sounds like the ultimate sisterhood vibes 
, from pottery-making to crafting willow wreaths & making their own jewellery... i need a break from reality ASAP 
. ardderfin farmhouse sounds like the coziest thing ever 
. can we pls have more sisterhood breaks in my life? 
I'm totally inspired to try out pottery-making & jewelry-making myself now! The Welsh concept of "A person's personality shapes their pot" is so cool, it makes me wanna get crafty too 
... like, do you give someone a hug or just talk to them? Either way, sounds like an amazing weekend getaway! The idea of spendin' time with friends, gettin' creative, and just chillin' in the countryside is my kinda vibe 
. And those pottery classes sound like a blast – who knew makin' ceramics could be so therapeutic? 
I'm thinkin' about bookin' one of these Sisterhood breaks ASAP... or maybe I'll just stick to my Netflix binge-watching sessions 